This natural attraction is known throughout Ukraine, it is one of the Ukrainian mountains-twothousanders, one of the five highest mountains in the country. Pop-Ivan soars into the sky especially impressively, rapidly, if you go to it from Verkhovyna — it is many times larger than all the other mountain peaks that surround the ancient Hutsul village.
The height of Mount Pop Ivan is about 2020 meters above sea level. It is one of the peaks of the beautiful Chernogora mountain range, which is located on its southeastern side. The other mountains near Popa Ivan are at least 500 meters lower than it — hence its majestic, monumental view that inspires even the most unimpressed visitors to Verhovina.
However, the appearance of this peak has nothing to do with its name. There are legends connected with the origin of the mountain’s name. One of them says that back in the Middle Ages, somewhere in these parts lived a famous preacher of Christianity, later recognized as a saint — Ivan the New (Suchavski), in honor of him the postuhi-volokhs and named the mountain. According to another legend, there is «nothing holy» in the origin of the name of the mountain — for convenience they began to write the name «Popivan» when making maps, which was given to the mountain because of the fact that the winds howl constantly on it — «Popivayut». This peak is often called Black Mountain — those who believe in the legend that once the head of the Oprishkov movement, Oleksa Dovbush, killed on it a black evil that appeared to him in the form of a devil.
No matter how different people’s opinions about the origin of the name of the mountain, they all agree on one thing — that this peak is really one of the most picturesque in the country.
Pop Ivan has a beautiful pyramidal shape, its eastern and northern slopes steeply drop down, presenting a breathtaking panorama. Interestingly, after Hoverla, this peak has the reputation of the most dangerous for tourists — the strongest winds in the Carpathians up to 38 m/s have been recorded here. Peaceful silence on the mountain can quickly turn into strong winds, and clear weather can be replaced by dense fog. However, for those who go on a journey to the top, observing all safety rules and carefully listening to the instructor-guide, climbing the mountain poses no danger and gives only positive emotions.
Popa Ivan offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. The slopes of the mountain are carpeted with alpine vegetation, the highest plant that can be found here is the alpine or mountain pine, there are many rare plants listed in the Red Book.
The old Polish observatory, built on the mountain in 1938 and abandoned since the end of World War II, is of great interest to tourists. The buildings of the observatory are made of dark gray sandstone, so the whole complex resembles an ancient fortress or even a knight’s castle rather than another standard Soviet-era building. In winter, the observatory is so bizarrely covered with ice and snow that from afar it resembles a large white animal, because of this it became known as the White Elephant, and this «nickname» has taken root and is actively used by locals and tourists to this day.
Climbing the Pop Ivan Mountain and seeing the ancient observatory will be interesting for all those who spend their holiday in Verkhovina and other nearby villages. This trip will be remembered for many years, leaving a lot of the brightest impressions.
To make the ascent to the top of this Carpathian landmark today can be different ways: along the ridge from Hoverla, through the mountain Smotrich and other routes, but the closest way to go from the village Verhovina.